Automated Binding Apparatus with Segmented Binder Cartridge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binding processing apparatuses lack automation in the series of processes from forming punch holes to fitting a binder, particularly for coil binding, which hinders continuous and efficient binding operations, especially when integrated with copiers or printers.
Innovation Solution
A binding processing apparatus equipped with a punch mechanism for forming punch holes, a binding mechanism for fitting a ring-shaped binder, a feeding device for sheet handling, and a controlling device to manage these processes, including a binder cartridge for efficient binder management and integration with external printing or copying systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a coil binding apparatus is used to automate binder fitting, then automation of binding processing is achieved, but the apparatus cannot continuously process multiple binders due to manual mounting requirements and complex feeding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The binder cartridge is divided into multiple compartments, each containing a single binder. This segmentation allows the apparatus to automatically feed and process multiple binders in sequence without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and continuous processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple binders are pre-loaded into the cartridge in advance, allowing the apparatus to automatically retrieve and process binders continuously without manual mounting during operation. This preliminary preparation enables both automation and continuous productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece coil binder is mounted manually for each binding task, then binder fitting can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and cannot support continuous automatic processing
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to automatically feed binders from the cartridge through a feeding mechanism that retrieves binders sequentially without manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically performing the binder mounting operation that would otherwise require manual intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If a continuous automatic feeding mechanism is designed for coil binders, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for complex feeding and cartridge mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores multiple binders, feeds them sequentially, and integrates with the punching and binding mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex feeding mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If punch holes are formed on sheets without a selecting mechanism, then the punching process is simple, but duplicate punch holes may be formed on previously processed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The selecting mechanism uses feedback from sensors or position detection to identify sheets that have already been processed and prevent duplicate punching operations. This feedback system ensures reliability by avoiding redundant processing while maintaining the simplicity of the punching process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A binding processing apparatus 1 is provided with a punch mechanism 2 and a binding processing mechanism 3 for executing a binding processing by a binder. When a sheet P is fed from a printing apparatus 50 of a copier or the like, the sheet is butted to a stopper plate 9 of the punch mechanism, sheet aligning sliders 10 push both left and right sides thereof to position and punch holes are formed by a punch block 7 and a die 8. Thereafter, the sheet is fed to a sheet tray 15 of the binding processing mechanism, one set of the sheets are aligned and a ring shape binder is pinched by a pusher 17 to fit the ring shape binder to the punch holes of the sheets, and a brochure subjected to a binding processing is discharged to a stack tray 4. A binder cartridge 16 can contain a number of the binders and the binding processing can be executed continuously.